LAST UPDATED: 24th April 2020
We have put together a list of resources and contacts to assist Indian international students in Perth that are suffering hardship as a result of COVID-19. Many of the services listed below will apply to international students of any origin.
This is an evolving guide and it will be updated every 1-2 days. If you or an organisation you know of is assisting international students please email editor@india.com.au or send us a message on our Facebook page, please be sure to include as many details as possible.
ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANISATIONS
Most Indian origin associations and organisations have stepped up to assist international students in Perth. We have summarised some of the help available below and provided links to useful information.
High Commission of India – Australia & Consulate General of India, Perth
The High Commission of India has requested all Indian citizens currently in Australia to register themselves with the High Commission of India, Canberra. We strongly recommend you register yourself as soon as possible.
They also have a helpline available, the phone number for WA is +61 431 743 681 or you can contact them via email.
Indian Society of WA (ISWA)
The Indian Society of WA has conducted many conference calls to hear the needs and requirements of students in need with more sessions scheduled. Some initiatives announced by ISWA in association with other Indian organisations in WA include providing 150 free grocery packets to Indian families and students in need. ISWA may also assist in a variety of other ways, a form to register for assistance on their website lists “paying for your rent and other needs, providing accommodation, providing free food, providing free groceries and providing a paid job”
To register for assistance with ISWA visit https://indiancommunityperth.com.au/coronavirus-help/
ISWA Helpline: 1800 00 4792
Federation of Indian Associations of Western Australia (FIAWA)
FIAWA has been very vocal in requesting support for international students in the current crisis. In addition to this, they are assisting in a free meals program in association with Delhi6 and Fusion6. Please see our free or discounted food section below.
FIAWA Facebook Page
Sikh Gurdwara Perth Inc. (SGP) – Bennett Springs
The Sikh Gurdwara has offered general support to in-need international students among others in the community. They may be able to provide financial support to international students. All assistance provided will be kept strictly confidential by the management committee.
To register for assistance please email gensecretary@sikhgurdwaraperth.org.au or message them on their Facebook page. Phone numbers of contact people are also available on their Facebook page.
All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) Perth
AWGP Perth has offered help in the form of dry food (raw), transport and accommodation to international students facing hardship. They have confirmed that any conversations or requests for help will be treated confidentially.
Contacts: Saumil Joshi: +61 433345634, Chintan Thakkar: +61 406863777
AWGP Perth Facebook Page
FREE OR DISCOUNTED FOOD
Bespoke by Barista HQ – Pickup Only
Maureen and her team from Bespoke by Barista HQ are providing free vegetarian meals for all international students facing hardship. If you are employed you can still get a meal by making a donation. All donations are used to purchase supplies to cook further meals.
Where: 400 Albany Highway, Victoria Park WA
When: 7am – 1:30pm daily
Bespoke Facebook Page
Dada Bhagwan Perth Group in Association with Gujarati Samaj of WA – Delivery Only
Dada Bhagwan Perth Parivar is delivering free vegetarian meals to those in need including international students.
Where: A large number of Perth suburbs covered – check their Facebook page for up to date details.
When: Deliveries daily, order before 4 pm
Dada Bhagwan Facebook Page
Fusion 6 Indian Restaurant & Delhi 6 Sweets – Pickup Only
Fusion6 & Delhi6 in association with Federation of Indian Associations of Western Australia, Ellenbrook Indian Supermarket and Indian Sports and Cultural Academy are providing free vegetarian meals to international students that can be picked up from their locations in Wembley (north of river) & Canning Vale(south of river). They also have a free pickup and delivery service for senior citizens and health care workers.
Where: Fusion 6 – 230 Cambridge St, Wembley & Delhi6 – 271 Amherst Road, Canning Vale
When: 6 pm to 8 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Fusion 6 Facebook Page
Sai Baba Temple Perth – Pickup Only
The Sai Baba Temple Perth is providing home-cooked nourishing delicious vegetarian meals to anyone in need 7 days a week. A meal can be picked up daily at 3 pm
Where: Sai Baba Temple Perth – 13 Murray St, Bayswater WA 6053
When: 3 – 4 pm, 7 days a week
Contact: 0402789247
Sai Baba Temple Perth Facebook Page
Sankalp – Pickup Only
Sankalp Indian restaurant is offering a free pre-packed vegetarian meal to international students and needy people every Monday and Tuesday. The meals must be picked up from the restaurant and there is a limit of 1 pack per person.
Where: Sankalp – 8/386 Wanneroo Road Westminster 6061
When: 5:30pm to 7:30pm Monday & Tuesday
Sankalp Facebook Page
UNIVERSITIES & TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
INDIA.com.au has contacted local universities and training institutions to find out what help is being provided to enrolled international students. Below we have summarised the help available from universities however we also recommend contacting your student guild for assistance. We are still waiting on responses from some institutions and will update accordingly.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
When contacted by INDIA.com.au a UWA spokesperson has provided the following response, we have highlighted some key points below:
“The health and welfare of international students is a high priority for The University of Western Australia and we have moved swiftly to introduce measures of financial support for students affected by COVID-19.
Responding to these challenging times, the University has implemented a COVID-19 $1 million Financial Hardship Grants scheme.
The scheme has added support for students with a one-off financial grant, including a dedicated fund for students from low socioeconomic, Indigenous, regional and remote backgrounds. Grants of up to $5000 are available to eligible domestic and international students who meet all necessary requirements, to support legitimate costs including emergency accommodation, rental support, wellbeing and emotional support and/or essential study equipment and materials.
In addition, UWA has provided significant IT support to students, including the distribution of new laptops and internet dongles to students in need so that they can effectively study online. UWA has also been distributing welfare packs of food, snack packs, hygiene products and other supplies to support students and providing rental relief in university owned accommodation.
The University will be implementing further measures in the coming weeks to ensure those students experiencing hardship are well supported.“
Curtin University
A spokesperson from Curtin University has confirmed to INDIA.com.au that international students are eligible to apply for the following bursaries.
Financial Support Bursary which provides cash payments of up to $1,500 to cover essential living and/or study expenses, including purchase of computing equipment/software and internet connection; and
Housing Support Bursary which provides a one-off subsidy of $1,500 to eligible students towards the cost of student accommodation at both our Perth and Kalgoorlie campuses, with additional assistance available for students experiencing significant financial distress or housing insecurity.
In addition to the above bursaries, the spokesperson has said that “Curtin also recognises that students may find it difficult to pay fees on time. We have therefore waived late payment fees and are offering individual payment plans to those in need.”
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
ECU has created a comprehensive COVID-19 guide for students at https://intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/support/student-success/support-for-students . We recommend you read that in detail. Some support that international students may be eligible for includes:
- Refund for parking permits
- No late payment fees for Semester 1 2020
- Support Grant of up to $2000 for eligible students
- Grocery e-vouchers of $50 provided by the ECU student guild
Murdoch University
Murdoch University in conjuction with the student guild have announced a range of measures. For detailed info and to register please see https://www.murdoch.edu.au/mymurdoch/support-advice/student-admin/fees-and-finances/covid-19-student-support-package
Some support that international students may be eligible for includes:
- A $50 voucher per fortnight for groceries
- Financial support from a student assistance fund
- Refund for parking permits
- Extraordinary support fund if you are facing very difficult circumstances
- Technology bursary or a loan of a laptop
- An academic safety net
FINANCIAL
Many of the organisations and institutions listed above are able to offer financial assistance in some way. We have covered a few more topics below.
Accessing your superannuation
Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.
We strongly recommend getting financial advice or doing your own research before you access your superannuation. Taking out your super at a time when financial markets are at a low point will lock in those losses for you. This, of course, has to be weighed up against paying off any debt you may have and the ability to pay for your everyday needs.
For more information see minister.homeaffairs.gov.au and MoneySmart
Housing
If you are suffering financial hardship and are unable to pay rent to your landlord, the first step is to speak to your landlord and ask for a temporary reduction or deferral in rent. While the government has announced a moratorium on evictions, you still have to pay rent. For more information please see the Tenancy Section at Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website. If you need further help and advice, please contact TenancyWA .
HEALTH
For general updates on COVID-19 please visit the Department of Health website or the WA Department of Health. For specific health information visit HealthyWA or call the Coronavirus Health Information line on 1800 020 080
COVID-19 Stats at a glance – Australia : Updated daily by Australian Government – Department of Health
COVID-19 Stats – WA: Updated daily by WA Department of Health
Costs of COVID-19 testing in WA if no Medicare
If you do not have adequate insurance cover as part of your overseas health insurance, The WA government will waive healthcare costs associated with COVID-19 if you are treated in a public hospital.
This has been implemented to ensure payment issues are not a barrier for people from overseas with respiratory symptoms seeking early medical advice. Ask your doctor or hospital for more information. For further information please see HealthDirect
Mental Health
The current conditions can result in an extremely stressful situation and more than ever; it is essential to stay in touch with friends and family. If you feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, you can contact organisations such as Headspace (Ages 12 – 25) or BeyondBlue .
The above guide is provided to assist and please do not take anything above as financial or legal advice. Please contact us at editor@india.com.au if you have any comments, require further information or have any content you would like to contribute.
